RRCA Certified Running Coach, Couch to 5K Groups, Product Reviews & Giveaways for Active Families. I am a mom of two from Madison, Wisconsin. Running has become my me time & makes me a better mom. I want to prove to other women that they, too, can carve out time for themselves each day. For coaching and sponsorship inquiries, please contact me at runningdivamom@yahoo.com

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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Hydrapak Gel Bot Review & Giveaway

I was recently introduced to Hydrapak (HERE) by one of the PR companies that I have a working relationship with. I had not heard of Hydrapak before, or recognized the name brand from any of my personally-owned hydration systems.

Hydrapak focuses on creating the best personal hydration systems available for any activity. Hydrapak is committed to pushing the limits of design and materials to create the easiest-to-use, most functional hydration systems available. With input from their small but dedicated staff of avid cyclists, runners, skiers, and paddlers, Hydrapak has continuously refined it’s products to satisfy the needs of discerning users. This strategy has positioned Hydrapak as the leading providers of personal hydration systems for not only Hydrapak products, but a growing list of manufacturers that have integrated Hydrapak’s technology into their packs.

I was introduced to a really, really cool water bottle. It's called the Gel Bot (HERE). Onen of the coolest concepts I've seen in the world of endurance sports.

The Gel-Bot delivers two performance essentials, fuel and hydration, in one easy to use sport bottle. This patent-pending design lets you fuel or hydrate with just one hand. Perfect for racing or total gel addicts. All the Gel-Bot components can be taken apart and easily cleaned.

You load the inner chamber with energy gel. Then, fill the bottle with water or your favorite sports drink. When the nozzle is pulled open, you get water and water only. With the nozzle pushed down, squeeze to get the gel out of the center valve.

There are two sizes available. I received the smaller, 20 oz bottle and loved it. I tried this a couple of times on the treadmill, to see how it would handle. In the future, I can also slip into my other handheld water bottle carriers and carry it with me on outdoor runs and races.

I almost always run with water or sports drink ... no matter the distance ... these days. I've become an addict. So, I'm used to constantly opening and closing the spout with my teeth. So, this was a no-brainer for me. When it was open, I sipped on water. When it was closed, I could sip on an energy gel. I was worried that it may be messy with the gel spouting out all over the top of the bottle, but it wasn't. I'm not sure how different things may be when it's bouncing around in a handheld during a race, but it held up fine on the treadmill. It was a nice alternative to opening up gel packets during the race, getting sticky-gooey hands and finding a spot to "litter" your packet along the course or training run. The 2 oz gel chamber has plant of space to load several gel packets. I can't wait to try this out on a half marathon course next spring!

I love the 24 oz GelBot! I may have to get one win or lose. I've also been wanting to try their e-lite vest with the 32 oz reservoir. I have a Camelbak with a 3 liter reservoir which can be a bit too much even on really long runs.

just signed up to follow your blog! i stumbled upon your blog tonight and LOVE it -- i am hoping to get back to running in 2012. I ran a half marathon a few years ago but kinda stopped afer that....ready to start again! Thanks!!